The following screenplay is in a style more easily read than the industry's "Final Draft" version format. If you would like a copy of the formatted spec screenplay, please use the "contact" page to request a file to be sent to you via e~mail. Or you can also request a hard copy (also industry standard "Final Draft" formatted) through the "Contact" page. As for most of the Music, it is in "raw demo" form, to be re-recorded in the future.

The two reprises referred to in the script have not been recorded as yet

The Merchant and The Lamb

Written by

Jayn Chilton Parenti

An Easter Musical

1380 East Oxford Place Fayetteville, AR 72703479.387.0190 Mobile479.973.2945 Land

FADE IN

INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT

YUSSEF is sleeping as the sound of waves violently crash against the ship. As the ship sways, a lantern swings and a spyglass rolls down a large desk knocking over an ornate hour glass onto the cabin's floor, spilling sand through broken glass. The sound abruptly awakens Yussef. Somewhat bewildered, before his feet can hit the floor, he hears a loud pounding. Quickly he rises, gathering his robe and spyglass. Hesitating for just a moment, he then quickly picks up a small trinket from the desk puts it in his pocket and hastily opens the door. His FIRST MATE, soaking wet, takes a deep breath and rests his hands against the door frame

FIRST MATE Captain, we've hit something, I believe we are taking on water. I'm going to assess the damage.

INT. QUARTERS - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Yussef hands the first mate his spyglass, quickly putting on his robe as the men pass through the hallway leading out to the deck.

EXT. SHIP'S DECK - NIGHT

Yussef and First Mate carefully head toward the Captain's Bridge. As they walk, waves are crashing and Yussef proudly observes as crew members vigorously synch pulleys, pull ropes, protect cargo, etc. SECOND MATE joins the two. Yussef acknowledges him with a nod.

YUSSEF How are all our men?

SECOND MATE (Nervously) All accounted for, working hard and a little scared sir.

YUSSEF Calm down son. Take a deep breath and ask yourself what is most important this very moment.

2.

The two mates are silent and a little confused. Before they can answer

YUSSEF (CONT'D) (To First Mate) the birds of course, How are the birds?

In a moment of levity, before they can answer

SECOND MATE They're fine sir.

As they begin to enter the Captain's Bridge, Yussef, following the other two, turns once more to see the crew. With confidence in his men, he quickly, yet humbly, takes a moment to gaze up toward heaven.

(FADE OUT)

INT. CAPTAINS BRIDGE - JUST BEFORE DAWN

Yussef, First, and Second Mate are able to observe much of the crew through the wide windows inside the bridge. The wind and waves have become more calm. The first light of dawn crosses over Yussef's face. A large table that once neatly held baskets, now holds them on their sides with their contents disassembled about the table. Rolled maps have fallen out, along with various ancient navigation tools. Second Mate lights a lantern and hangs it up as Yussef and the First Mate clear the table of scattered Parchments, Compasses, star charts, etc.

YUSSEF What's the damage?

FIRST MATE I believe all cargo has been protected, but the water is still coming in at the stern. We have not yet checked the entire belly.

Yussef strokes his beard as he ponders that thought.

YUSSEF (To First Mate) And do we know how far we drifted off course through the night?

FIRST MATE (Slowly) Not yet.

YUSSEF How long will she float?

3.

SECOND MATE (Nervously) If the crew can continue bailing at this rate, I think three days at most.

Turning away from the two men, Yussef reaches into his pocket and pulls out the small trinket, griping it strongly as he fights off emotion. Walking to the large window, he flings it open and once again looks up to the sky. First Mate, after seeing Yussef struggling to compose himself, dauntlessly picks up the spy glass, heads to the large window and begins scanning the sea. First Mate turns around as to address the room. The two men come to his attention, looking bewildered as First Mate dramatically puts the spyglass onto the table. With his hand still on the spyglass

FIRST MATE Can we settle for one?

(CAMERA SHOT) Looking through the spyglass which is facing the window, we see land.

(FADE OUT)

EXT. OCEAN - DAY (SUPER) "COAST OF JOPPA, AD 33" The large sailing vessel is rapidly cutting through calm waves. YUSSEF walks to the railing, shielding his eyes from the sun as he looks out to the shore and smiles. He turns go back to his quarters.

INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS Yussef picks up various parchments, rolling them up and packing them into leather bags. The opulent cabin is strewn with maps, stacks of parchments, books, etc. (O.S.) Captain... Dock before sundown! Yussef breathes a sigh of relief, looks upward toward the ceiling and smiling, resumes packing

FADE OUT.

EXT. SHORE OF JOPPA - DAY

A Seaside Market Place is dusty and busy. Fish sellers and other vendors are selling their wares, small groups are talking, arguing. Children are playing. Yussef steps off the dock landing. Obviously upper class, but his fine clothing worn and wrinkled. First and Second Mates are assisting some tired and some even bleeding crew members off to the dock.

4.

SERIES OF SHOTS:

-- Yussef stops to say hello to some people.

-- Yussef smiles and pats the children.

-- Yussef pokes at some of the displayed merchandise.

-- Yussef carries a bag, a satchel and a few rolled up parchments, old documents and maps.

MAN ONE We sold out of the purple - months ago - And the island spices too. I promised my wife you would bring plenty of oil, you know, the kind that smells sweet like honey? Well of course, it's all over Palestine by now! I hope you brought me some... (Sarcastically) My wife's reputation, you know!

YUSSEF (Laughing) Your wife, and the rest of Palestine will keep you in good favor. I've three barrels for you. They're unloading them now.

MAN TWO We have missed you. I'm so happy you will be here for my wedding!

YUSSEF (Embracing Man 2) And for you, a trinket waits on the ship. Something from the East. I think your new bride will be pleased.

5.

The two men say "goodbye" while ELI AND MARCUS enter. Eli runs toward Yussef, Marcus strides arrogantly - holding a tablet, looking toward the dock as if examining the unloading.

ELI Father! (Turning to Marcus) Marcus! Father is home! (Embraces Yussef ) Father, I'm so glad to see you!

Helping Yussef with his bags and maps I have so much to tell you! You will not believe all that has happened!

MARCUS Eli, give him a chance to get his breath. (Turning to Yussef) It is good to have you back. (Turning to Eli) Go now and see that the ships are unloaded carefully. The merchants will be mobbing the dock. (Sternly) And don't give them a thing until they pay.

(Marcus yelling) With money... not chickens! And follow the orders exactly... (Sarcastically) The physicians do not need dye and the salve will not help the tanners!

Eli rolls his eyes, hugs Yussef and runs off with the list, calling back to Yussef

ELI I'll see you soon, Father.

Tripping on a rock, laughs as he regains his balance I have so much to tell you!

YUSSEF (Sarcastically, looking upward) It is good to be back with my peaceful boys!

MARCUS (Yelling to Eli) And Eli! Be careful with the birds... They made it all this way in time for Passover... (MORE)

6.

MARCUS (CONT'D) Can you get them from the dock to the sand without casualty? Father you did bring the birds?

YUSSEF (Turning and exposing the "proof"... Smiling) I brought the birds!

YUSSEF What spirit that boy has. What love for life... what energy!

MARCUS Yes, I wish only that he would spend that spirit and energy on the business and not on... O well, I won't bother you about that now. I'm sure we will hear enough about that tonight. To you, for the first time. To me, the hundredth!

YUSSEF Bother me - please. All the time I'm away I long for the sweetness of my sons' voices calling on me for guidance. A girl perhaps? Has my young son found a maiden?

MARCUS No, father. Your young son has found the Messiah. (Scoffing) Or at least he thinks he has!

YUSSEF What? Tell me!

MARCUS I haven't the time. You'll hear it all. We have work to do father, and only a few hours left of daylight. You are tired. Go, rest now - Mother is waiting for you. (MORE)

7.

MARCUS (CONT'D) And the caravan will be ready for you in the morning. We will join you in just a few day's time in Jerusalem. For now, Eli and I will take care of the unloading.

Marcus leaves as Yussef watches him fondly, but with concern.

SERIES OF SHOTS: YUSSEF WALKS THROUGH MARKETPLACE

V.O. (YUSSEF'S VOICE) Tonight here in Joppa then, on to Jerusalem. And in time for the Passover! After three long years, ah, it will be good to be there again.

-- Slowly Yussef picks up his satchel and parchments, and throws the strap of his bag over one shoulder

-- Yussef begins to walk through the outdoor marketplace.

-- Yussef touches a uniquely ornate rug, admiring its quality.

-- Yussef laughs at some decorative masks for sale.

-- Yussef stops to inspect local pottery pieces.

With one deep inhale, he reacquaints his senses to the familiar smells of the local fare and happily takes in the various wares on display.

YUSSEF'S VOICE (V.O.) Everyone is looking well,

SERIES OF SHOTS:

-- Busy street

-- A young child playing, cuts Yussef off as he's making his way through. He laughs as he pats his pocket to make sure the special trinket is still there.

Some because I bring gifts, some I bring news, and others, because their livelihood depends on my transport. It is a good life. (Pauses) But there is something... in the air. Of course the preparation of the Passover, but... but something more... something unusual. Unrest, fear, excitement and joy, all at once. (Pauses again)

-- Yussef leaves the marketplace.

-- Yussef passes a group of livestock traders. It is noisy from the lowing sheep and cattle.

-- Yussef crosses onto the road toward his home.

-- Picks up a wildflower and hands it to an older women Found the Messiah?

-- Lifts his hands, shrugs as in disbelief I will know if he has. I will know because I have studied the prophets. They have foretold the coming of the Christ and what things will happen first. I will know!

-- Yussef meets up with his carriages.

-- The driver of his loads Yussef's bag.

-- Yussef pats him on the back

YUSSEF I think I would like to walk - well some of the way.

With a smile and a nod, the driver holds back to slowly follow but will remain close when Yussef changes his mind

YUSSEF SINGS Oh Jerusalem

OH JERUSALEM! (TRACK 1)

YUSSEF (CONT’D)

EVER CHANGING, BUT SOMEHOW STILL THE SAME - OUR PEOPLE’S HOME, OUR PEOPLE’S LAND - GIVEN US BY GOD’S OWN HAND

9.

(SUPER) MONTAGE - SOLOMON’S TEMPLE -- Crowds are gathering outside temple. -- Children are carrying small birds. -- Lambs, goats and cattle are being led toward the ramp of the upper court alter

WHERE WE WORSHIP, WHERE WE PRAY OH JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM WHERE WE GATHER TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE... JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM!

(SUPER) MONTAGE - MOSES AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL -- Thousands of people dancing, celebrating and worshiping the golden calf. -- Moses is just coming off the mountain. He holds his staff in one hand and the Commandment tablets in the other. -- Simultaneously the contrasting images are super imposed over Yussef’s head

WE’VE HAD OUR DIFFERENCES THROUGH CENTURIES - YET SOMEHOW THROUGH THE STRIFE WE FEEL THE MOUTH OF GOD. BREATHING LIFE... MAKING US STILL ONE, OH JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM!

HOW MANY TIMES COULD HE HAVE COVERED US BENEATH HIS WING AND BRING US BACK TO HIM,

-- Yussef stops, looks toward heaven. -- The driver pulls up next to Yussef. -- Yussef turns to the carriage as the driver opens the door.

BACK TO HIM IN JERUSALEM!

10.

INT. YUSSEF’S CARRIAGE - DAY - (SAME) -- Yussef leans his arm out the window of the carriage -- Yussef gazes onto the countryside. -- The carriage is moving at a faster pace.

THE PROPHETS GAVE US SIGNS SO WE WATCH AND WE WAIT SOON HE WILL SEND OUR LONG EXPECTED ONE TO JERUSALEM

WHERE WE GATHER TO HEAR GOD'S VOICE, JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM

YET WE KILLED HIS PROPHETS IN OUR UNBELIEF OH FORGIVE US HOLY ONE! AND LET US SEE YOUR BELOVED, JERUSALEM!

MONTAGE - EXT. DAY - PERCEIVED MESSIAH REGALLY ENTERS JERUSALEM (YUSSEF’S POINT OF VIEW) -- A large man sits tall on a white stallion, wearing white, golden and purple robes. -- Blankets on horse are laden with royal coverings. -- The man wears a tall crown, holds a scepter --The man is followed by an ornately decorated military battalion. -- Onlookers are tossing flowers and bowing to him. -- The “king” is ceremoniously throwing coins and jewels to the crowd. We do not see His face.

I WILL KNOW WHEN I SEE HIS REGAL ENTRANCE THROUGH THE GATE AND ENTER... OH JERUSALEM! THEN WE’LL SEE OUR LAND BECOME OUR OWN AGAIN! THEN WE’LL SEE HIM RULE ...OH JERUSALEM! HE WILL SAVE US FROM THOSE WHO HOLD US DOWN, HE WILL BRING HIS KINGDOM BACK AND WEAR HIS CROWN, OUR MESSIAH, OUR CHRIST, IN GLORIOUS GOWN, HE WILL LEAD US WITH SCEPTER IN HIS HAND... JERUSALEM! JERUSALEM! EVER CHANGING BUT SOMEHOW STILL THE SAME - OUR PEOPLES’ HOME, OUR PEOPLE’S LAND - GIVEN US BY GOD’S OWN HAND WHERE WE WORSHIP, WHERE WE PRAY OH JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM!

(MORE)

11.

YUSSEF (CONT’D)

WHERE WE GATHER TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE OH JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM! TO OUR LAND.... TO OUR LAND!

FADE OUT EXT. YUSSEF’S HOME IN JOPPA - DAY SERIES OF SHOTS: SARA WATCHES FOR YUSSEF -- SARAH stands on a large opulent terrace, half of which overlooks the sea. She can see Yussef’s ship has arrived. -- Sarah holds onto the beautifully carved stone of the decorative railing. There are several seating areas, including couches, padded chairs and low lounges. Between two lounges is a small table which holds a carafe of wine along with one ornate silver goblet. -- Sarah turns toward the other side of the terrace, revealing she is holding a second goblet. She is a beautiful woman in her mid thirties, with pampered fair skin and well groomed hair. Her clothing is fine linen and purple. She wears a jeweled headpiece. -- At a leisurely pace, Sarah walks toward the opposite side of the terrace. -- As Sarah passes two small palm trees, she gently grazes the leaves with her fingertips. -- Sarah looks over the low stone railing. A huge smile of contentment and relief beams over her face. -- Sarah sees Yussef’s coach! -- Sarah swiftly walks to the table displaying the Carafe of wine, to pour for Yussef. As she’s putting the carafe back down, she looks at her own goblet and with a smirk fills her’s again and adds a bit more to Yussef’s. -- Yussef enters through a wide door to the terrace. Sarah puts her wine down as they run to each other from opposite sides of the terrace. YUSSEF My sweet! How could I have forgotten just how beautiful you are?

12.

SARAH

Oh Yussef, I have missed you so! Please don’t go away for so long again! YUSSEF I won’t my love, I won’t ever! The two passionately kiss and embrace. SERIES OF SHOTS: -- Yussef points out to the sea. -- Sarah laughs. -- Yussef and Sarah take sips of their wine. -- Sarah pours more wine. -- Yussef and Sarah stroll over to the edge of the terrace. -- Both seem to be talking at once, as they laugh -- Yussef and Sarah toast to each other, finishing their wine. YUSSEF (CONT’D) I must ask you about a conflict I witnessed between our sons. SARAH Yes, my love. They have been at odds for sometime now. Just after you left, three years ago. That’s about the time it began. Eli must explain his views himself. He is very obsessed with his belief. He’s a good boy, Yussef. It seems he does his work, but just that. The moment he is finished with his tasks, he’s off! Marcus, on the other side feels the full weight of the business and is sometimes there for days at a time. He mocks Eli. Eli doesn’t argue back much. Instead he tries to convince Marcus that his mind should not be on money and the making of it, but rather things that hold a more eternal value.

13.

YUSSEF

Yes, I’ve heard just a bit of it, and I know Eli is bursting to tell me about this man he follows so devotedly. Right now, I will bathe and then look into your eyes for as long as possible! Yussef and sarah hold hands as they go back into the beautifully carved doorway to their palatial home. FADE OUT FADE IN INT. YUSSEF’S HOME IN JOPPA - NIGHT Two maid servants are busy clearing dish ware from the dinner table. Yussef, Sara, Marcus and Eli are still seated at the table YUSSEF Ours is an excellent life, Sarah. Better than most of those around us. -- Yussef relaxes back into his chair, enjoying the moment. We have ships that bring in fine goods for honest profit, two sons to take care of you and the business when I’m away... Two sons... both ours, Sarah. Raised in the same home, given the same education and equally loved. One is ruled by his heart, the other by his head. -- Closes his eyes as he murmurs sleepily If we had a third, he would have been a well balanced child. The best of both... SARAH No, Yussef... -- Smiles, looks fondly at her boys No doubt he would have been heartless and brainless!

14.

The brothers look at each other, roll their eyes - in humorous acceptance, acknowledging this was typical of their parents’ banter. SERIES OF SHOTS: YUSSEF -- The servants are busy at their work clearing the table. -- Yussef, Marcus and Eli are speaking loudly over the sounds of dishes. -- Indiscernible conversation about Yussef’s voyage and general business mingle with laughter and clanking of dishes. -- The three men get up, Eli grasping some last morsels of food. -- Yussef gives Sarah a kiss, and winks at her. -- Sarah winks back as she follows her maids into another room. -- The three men go to a group of chairs where there is a pitcher and some cups. -- On the table are books, papyrus, rolled parchment and maps. -- There is a knock at the door. -- A servant hastily goes through a large foyer, opens the door and escorts the three guests into the great room. -- Yussef stands to greet JONAS, SIMON, NICODEMUS, as they enter. YUSSEF We have been discussing many things that have gone on in my absence. (Looking at Eli) Well now, tell me the wonderful news, Eli. I have watched you trying to hold it back through supper. Tell me everything! MARCUS Before you do, I will leave and try to recover the records of Father’s purchases from the drenched crate (Glares at Eli) And Eli, (in a sarcastic tone) tell your stories quickly, we have only two days before we leave for Jerusalem.

15.

YUSSEF

No, Marcus. The parchments will dry. The records will be copied in due time. You have worked all day. It is time for rest. (Putting his arms around his sons) And a time for talking about all I have missed. (To his guests) Besides, I want to hear your impression of this one Eli calls the Messiah. MARCUS Father, you are hardly prepared for a Messiah like this one! YUSSEF Wait. Your brother will burst if he is not allowed to speak! Let me hear from my son who thinks with his heart. ELI Father, do you remember when we were getting prepared for your journey and I asked you of the Messiah’s coming? You said there would be a forerunner. One who would prepare the way for the Christ? YUSSEF Yes. The prophet Isiah said, “Behold I will send my messenger and he shall prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek shall suddenly come to His temple...” ELI (Interrupting)... Yes, that’s it! Just after you left, there came one they called “John the Baptizer”. MARCUS (Mockingly) He was a preacher. He wore clothes made of camel hair! Of all things, he ate locusts dipped in wild honey. (MORE)

16.

MARCUS (CONT'D) He tramped through the wilderness telling the people to repent! He took our tradition of Tvilah, reserved only for our Priests, using it on common people, calling it Baptism. And He baptized all those who followed after him! ELI (Scolding Marcus) He was not preaching about himself! (To Yussef) He preached of One who would come, saying, “Prepare yourselves! The Lord is coming!” Yes, they were following John but he called them to repent and the people were glorifying God! (Sadly) He is gone now, Herod had him killed recently because John exposed Herod and his wife’s great sinfulness. But I remember well the Baptizer’s message of repentance. CUT TO MONTAGE: EXT. DAY JOHN THE BAPTIST John is wearing a vest out of camel hair over a short tunic, and is not wearing shoes. His hair is very long and wild, reaching his waist. He stands at the water’s edge as he faces a large, listening crowd. JOHN THE BAPTIST LYIN AND CHEATIN (Track 2)

JOHN THE BAPTIST (CONT’D) LYIN’ AND CHEATIN’ YOU BETTER -- John points across the crowd CHANGE BEFORE YOU’RE MEETIN’ WITH THE LORD, WITH THE LORD -- John kicks the water with his footHE’LL SEPARATE THE GOATS FROM THE SHEEP, TARES FROM THE WHEAT THE -- Some of the people look afraid as he continues to walk along the shore. -- Some of the people are nodding in agreement

17.

ENEMY WILL GO DOWN IN DEFEAT! -- John stops, holding out his arms and looking heavenwardAND JESUS, I JUST WANT TO PRAISE YOU ALL DAY LONG , I CAN’T THINK OF ANYTHING BETTER TO DO! FILL ME WITH YOUR SPIRIT AND I CAN’T GO WRONG AND FOREVER I’LL BE GLORIFYIN’ YOU! -- Passionately, he looks deeply into some faces as he continues walkingBECAUSE OF HIS GRACE, I’M ENTERING THE HOLY PLACE PREPARED FOR ME FROM BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN-- John stops suddenly facing the crowd,AND RIGHT NOW I’M SITTIN’ WITH THE SON, -- John stomps his feet in the waterWE’RE STOMPIN’ ON THE EVIL ONE - AIN’T NO JOY ABOVE IT THAT I CAN FIND! -- Once again John Stops cold and looks toward heavenAND JESUS, I JUST WANT TO PRAISE YOU ALL DAY LONG I CAN’T THINK OF ANYTHING BETTER TO DO! FILL ME WITH YOUR SPIRIT AND I CAN’T GO WRONG AND FOREVER I’LL BE GLORIFYIN’ YOU-- John once again strolls along now with a happy gait, is gently kicking his feet at the waterAND FOREVER I’LL BE GLORIFYIN’ YOU AND FOREVER I’LL BE GLORIFYIN’ YOUBACK TO YUSSEF’S HOME (YUSSEF) Well it sounds like quite a disturbance is going on around here. Especially by the one called Jesus.

18.

JONAS

I would call it much more than a disturbance, Yussef. Our religion is being torn apart by bitterness and rivalry. SIMON This Jesus has been making enemies of every sect! JONAS Yes, of everyone except for the worst sinners! (He and Marcus laugh) NICODEMUS It’s a bit more complicated than that. Many Rabbi’s and Pharisees follow Him too, but most of the elite do not. SIMON But the majority of his followers are the poor masses. NICODEMUS (Sadly) Jerusalem has been worn down. There is much poverty. But it’s these who are in need the most, that seem to follow Jesus. Not one of them can do anything for Him. They are looking to Him as their Savior. YUSSEF How did he get so many followers? JONAS They came from every background. He even attracts the Samaritans! SIMON Most of them are from families as poor as his own! He chose twelve disciples first. Like the fisherman, Peter. And Matthew... JONAS (Interrupting) ...a tax collector! ELI ... Yes, and Simon the Zealot! (Excitedly) and-and John. (MORE)

19.

ELI (CONT'D) O, Father, you can see in Jesus’ eyes the love He talks about! NICODEMUS Yes, it’s the love. One night at a friend’s home, Jesus came to eat. As you know, Yussef, Jesus is like us. A son of Abraham. He knows the laws and covenants as if He had written them Himself! As far as I could tell, He was keeping the law. I had to see Him, Yussef. I had to know for myself. At the house there had been many people asking Jesus questions... and some Pharisees trying to find fault in His words. Then someone came in... a harlot! His men tried to keep her out, but she came crashing in and fell at Jesus’ feet. When she looked into His eyes, it seemed as if all her life’s pain... all her sin... just rolled off of her. She began to wash His feet with her tears of joy. It was forgiveness. It was love. It was purity renewed. It was beautiful! MONTAGE - EXT - NIGHT - THE HARLOT SINGS SONG IN THE NIGHT (Track 3)

THE HARLOT -- The harlot stands against a building leaning on its rocky wall. -- She looks tired as she removes one of her worn sandals -- Her tattered shawl falls from her shoulders, revealing her long, straight hair. -- She removes a small stone from her sandal and places the sandal back on to her foot, as she looks down a long, dark alleyway LOOKING OUT IN THE NIGHT AS DARK AS IT COULD BE NO SIGN OF LIGHT, AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE

20.

-- Readjusting her shawl over her cold shoulders, she looks up at a dim light coming from a high window AND NOBODY’S TAKIN’ THE TIME TO GIVE ANY WARNING TO ME NO, THERE’S NOTHING TO DRAW - FROM MY MEMORYShe begins walking slowly carefully looking around, she makes sure no one is followingBEEN CAST OUT IN A WORLD OF LIES, WITH NO PLACE TO HIDE-- She passes a doorway, where a man stands. -- The man motions to her to come join him. -- The Harlot refuses, walking to the other side of the alley but glances over to himHOLLOW HEARTS TURNED EMPTY SMILES, GIVEN UP FOR AN EMPTY RIDE -- The Harlot looks up again toward the dim lighted window high aboveAND NO ONE HAS TAKEN THE TIME TO SHOW TRUE LOVE TO ME, THERE’S NOTHING TO DRAW FROM MY MEMORY -- She stops and clutches at the rocky edge of a building. Her head droops as she slowly forges onI NEED A SONG IN THE NIGHT I’M LOOKING FOR A SONG IN THE NIGHT. A SONG... IN THE NIGHT-- The Harlot, looking around carefully, she continues walking. -- She passes other “women of the evening” and another door with another man hanging around. -- One of the women goes up to the awaiting man as the two disappear through the doorway -- A hard rain begins to fall. -- The Harlot tightens her shawl around her shivering shoulders.

21.

-- She shades her eyes, squinting as she peers upward, searching for another lighted window IT DOESN’T SEEM TO MATTER IF I’M ALONE AND AFRAID DOES IT REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE, IF MY LOAD’S TOO MUCH AND IT’S POURING RAIN? -- The Harlot reaches the corner at the end of the alley. -- She lowers her head. Clutching her shawl with one hand, holds on to the corner edge of the building. -- She stops to regain strength to go on NOBODY’S TAKING THE TIME AND I’MFINDING IT HARDER TO BREATHE STILL THERE’S NOTHING TO DRAW FROM MY MEMORY -- The Harlot is now turning onto a much wider street. -- She pushes herself away from the building and continues her walk. I NEED A SONG IN THE NIGHT I’M LOOKING FOR A SONG IN THE NIGHT. A SONG... IN THE NIGHT -- The rain is lighter now and the sun is just beginning to rise. -- With a new determination, the Harlot is regaining her strength. Her eyes fill the screen as if they are looking deep into someone else’s eyes THEN ONE DAY I MET HIM - HE LOOKED INTO MY EYES Gesturing as she glances back to the dark alleywayHE SAW PAST MY SIN, ALL MY PAIN AND LIES MONTAGE INT. A LIVING ROOM - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS SERIES OF SHOTS: Washing Jesus’ feet -- The Harlot is remembering how she entered a house at night, and pushes through several people, determined to reach Jesus.

22.

-- She carries an expensive looking bottle in her hand IT’S LOVE, TRUE LOVE, A CLEAN REAL LOVE -- The Harlot is now kneeling at his feat. -- The Harlot washes Jesus’ with her tears, wiping them dry with her hair. -- The Harlot pours oil from her bottle on his feet, weeping still - she looks up at him and mouths the words, “forgive me” THE HARLOT AND FALLING AT HIS FEET... I WAS FALLING AT THE FEET OF GOD! -- The Harlot bows her head as if praying. She rises to her feet and begins to leave, and turns at the doorway. --She flings the door wide open, staring at the well lit street. With a clearly positive demeanor about her, she exits the home. -- The others in the home are astonished. -- A “Pharisee type” man holds up the vessel that had once held the precious oil. EXT. LIGHTED STREET - NIGHT - SAME NOW I HAVE A SONG IN THE NIGHT. A SONG IN THE NIGHT (AS MUSIC CONTINUES, FADE OUT) (FADE IN) BACK TO YUSSEF’S HOME JONAS WELL, I HAVE TO ADMIT IT WAS AMAZING. NICODEMUS After everyone left, I secretly followed Jesus to the rooftop. I asked Him what I must do to be saved... Like that woman. I had followed Him many times before, but I had never been so close... had never seen Him... forgive someone!

23.

MARCUS

Forgive someone! How can a man forgive another man’s sins? NICODEMUS Yes, He is a man. He understands our hunger and sorrow, But (Looks to Yussef) I believe He is somehow, also... God! Simon, Jonas and Marcus are shocked murmuring, Eli is in agreement, NICODEMUS (CONT’D) I’ve witnessed the power, the miracles, yet, He commands us... to love our enemies. To do good to those who hate us! MARCUS (Scoffs) Some warrior! Some Leader... Some King! NICODEMUS (As if he didn’t hear Marcus)... and that we should love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves. ELI Even the children are naturally drawn to Him. Once His disciples wanted to send them away, but Jesus said “Let them come to me...” and He told the people, “you must become like these children to see the Kingdom of heaven”. NICODEMUS In fact, He told me I must be born again! I didn’t understand at first but then I began to realize what He meant. Become like a child, trust Him as a child would trust. Fully, completely. To sink into His arms of love and forgiveness - like a child into the arms of his loving father MONTAGE - JESUS WITH THE COMMON PEOPLE

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EXT. MEADOW - DAY - CONTINUOUS A YOUNG GIRL SINGS SINK INTO THE ARMS OF JESUS (Track 4)

YOUNG GIRL -- The young teenage girl stands at the back of a gathered crowd. -- The young teenage girl has crutch, because one of her legs is much shorter than the other. -- A man in a white robe is sitting on a short stool. We see only his back. Children of various ages are sitting near to him. SINK INTO THE ARMS OF JESUS CLOSE YOUR EYES AND LET HIM LOVE YOU -- The children are smiling and laughing as they listen closely to him YOU CAN HEAR HIM, YOU CAN FEEL HIM TUGGING AT YOUR HEART -- He motions to two little ones to sit on his lap. He bends to kiss one little one’s cheek and cups his hand under the chin of a child looking sadLET THE LOVING SAVIOR HOLD YOU, KISS YOUR CHEEK AND DRY YOUR TEAR HE LOVES YOU, HE WANTS TO HEAR YOU ASK HIM TO COME IN-- Many adults are also watching and listening, including some of Jesus’ disciples who are looking on as if resentful for him spending so much time with children I KNOW IT’S HARD TO LET GO OF YOURSELF YOU FEEL LIKE RUNNING AWAY BUT YOU WON’T FIND HIS LOVE IN ANYBODY ELSE AND IN YOUR HEART YOU KNOW YOU REALLY WANT TO STAY EXT. NARROW STREET - DAY The Young teenage girl hobbles, using her crutch, following the man (Jesus) as he walks down a narrow dirt road.

25.

They are in the Lower City in Jerusalem’s core and on its slopes are the crowded houses of the poor. They reach a group of limestone houses, yellow-brown colored from years of sun and wind. Narrow, unpaved streets and houses that sloped downward toward the Tyropean Valley, which ran through the center of Jerusalem. -- Jesus goes into a home. -- The young teenage girl watches through the window as she continues to sing. -- She sees the back of Jesus, as he sits beside a sick child. -- Parents are weeping for their child. -- Jesus puts his hand on the child’s forehead. FADE TO NEXT LET THE LOVING SAVIOR HOLD YOU, KISS YOUR CHEEK AND DRY YOUR TEAR -- The young teenager follows Jesus as he enters a different home. -- The young teenager struggles to keep up with Jesus’ pace. -- Once again, she is able to peer inside of the home. -- Jesus helps a blind man to a seat. -- Jesus touches the man’s eyes HE LOVES YOU, HE WANTS TO HEAR YOU ASK HIM TO COME IN -- The young teenager follows Jesus up a steep hill to another home. She struggles even more to keep up. -- Jesus does not go into the home this time. -- Jesus stops briefly and simply waves his hand over the open window. -- The young teenager, exhausted, reaches the open window. -- The young teenager is puzzled, looks through the window and sees a poor family that has only one small loaf of bread on its table. -- Three young children are all staring at the bread.

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-- The children, taking their parent’s lead, bow their heads in prayer. -- The young teenager looks toward Jesus, in amazement that Jesus didn’t go inside. -- The young teenager looks back through the window at the family and its table, to a feast laid out before them. -- To her amazement, Jesus had filled them with just the wave of His hand. -- Children joyfully lunge toward the food. -- The parents lift their hands toward heaven, as tears roll down their faces. -- The young teenager turns back to the street and continues to follow Jesus. -- The young teenager struggles to keep up. -- Jesus suddenly stops. -- The young teenager stops at what she thinks is a safe distance - not to be noticed. -- A bright light crosses over her face -- The young teenager goes to take another step, but her crutch slowly falls to the ground. I KNOW IT’S HARD TO LET GO OF YOURSELF YOU FEEL LIKE RUNNING AWAY BACK IN THE MEADOW YOUNG TEENAGE GIRL BUT YOU WON’T FIND HIS LOVE IN ANYBODY ELSE AND IN YOUR HEART YOU KNOW YOU REALLY WANT TO STAY -- Jesus and the children are spinning around, with arms wide. -- The young teenage girl is now joining in with the celebration. -- A very young tot falls down as he spins.

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-- Jesus picks him up and wipes the tears from the child’s face. -- Jesus spins again, while holding the child high in the air. -- The hurt child is smiling and laughing. LET THE LOVING SAVIOR HOLD YOU, KISS YOUR CHEEK AND DRY YOUR TEAR -- The young teenage girl walks closer to Jesus. -- Jesus pats her head. -- She hugs him. -- All the children press close to him. -- Jesus lifts up his arms, as if to place a blessing on them all. He lowers his head as if praying. All bow their heads and close their eyes. HE LOVES YOU, HE WANTS TO HEAR YOU ASK HIM TO COME IN BACK TO YUSSEF’S HOUSE MARCUS (uncomfortably) Yes, well, that’s all fine. All these people who need love. But this is the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. All these followers, and he speaks in riddles. Who can understand? (disgusted) Who has time? ELI You must take the time, brother. NICODEMUS I’ve now taken the time. I have listened to what He says. I See that He not only speaks the truth, He knows the scriptures as if He wrote them! And most of all He changes lives!

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ELI

Father, Nicodemus is right. One day we followed Him into the desert... (Marcus interrupts, under his breath) MARCUS When you were supposed to be working... ELI (continues... to Marcus) My work was finished! (back to Yussef) Then I listened for hours. Some listened until their strength was gone... MONTAGE - FEEDING THE 5000 (CONTINUOUS) A valley leading into the sea of Galilee, lush with green, grassy slopes. In the distance are rolling hills and larger mountains further out. Between the water’s edge and the hillside is a large beach, surrounded by dense trees along the shoreline. ELI (V.O.) (CONT'D) I pushed my way through the crowd to see what Jesus was doing. We see only the back of the white - robed man. -- A small boy brings a basket with a couple of small loaves of bread and s fish. Jesus’ disciples were quietly talking to Him. Someone handed Him a basket. There couldn’t have been more than a few small loaves of bread and a small fish. I thought He was going to eat the food Himself because I saw Him give thanks. -- The man motions for his disciples to gather empty baskets from the crowd. -- He lifts his hands over the small boy with his humble offering, and bows his head.

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-- The disciples look confused but they bring the empty baskets to him. -- The disciples struggle to carry so many empty baskets, they can hardly hold them without falling. (gets excited) Then He began to pass out portions and His disciples handed them out to the hungry people. More food kept coming from the basket! -- The man spreads his hands over the one basket of bread and fish -- His disciples holding empty baskets. -- His hands break the bread. -- He fills all of Disciples’ baskets -- Huge crowds passing the baskets, arms waving. (more excited) It was like a feast at the Palace of Caesar... every one was fed, Father. Everyone! -- The disciples return to the man, each carrying a full basket of bread and a full basket of fish. -- The man takes a serving of bread and fish and begins to eat for himself. -- He stands to once again address the crowd When we were all filled, there was more left over than what He started with! MONTAGE ENDS - BACK TO CONVERSATION - SAME SIMON It’s true enough. He has healed sick people, made blind men see. I’ve seen with my own eyes when He made a crippled man’s legs become straight... just from the touch of His hand. Most unsettling is hearing Him say to some, “Your sins are forgiven”.

30.

NICODEMUS

Simon is right. When Jesus’ friend, Lazarus died, He cried along with the family. Then, Yussef, He brought him back to life! After four days dead in the tomb! MARCUS Everyone from Joppa to Samaria and all of Jerusalem heard about it. All-right, that was impressive. ELI Father, I was there too. I won’t forget that day as long as I live ELI AND NICODEMUS SING LAZ (Track 5)

-- Sarah and the two servants enter the room. -- Sarah sits next to Yussef, as the two enjoy the tale. -- The servants are clearly comfortable with Sarah, and are treated as part of the family. As they stand by, they look toward Sarah, who gives a gentle nod of approval of their staying. ELI AND NICODEMUS JESUS WENT TO BETHANY ONE DAY TO SAVE A MAN NAMED LAZARUS, WHO WAS DEAD IN HIS GRAVE AND JESUS WALKED UP TO THE DOOR OF THE TOMB AND CRIED “COME FORTH” -- Both , Nicodemus and Eli are play-acting as they sing, showing a glimpse of their light-hearted, comedic sides. -- Yussef, with a smile, reaches for a carafe and fills goblets as he plays host, allowing the servant girls to remain engaged with the song. NOW LAZARUS WAS DEAD, THERE WAS REALLY NO DOUBT, AND EVERYBODY KNEW THAT HE WOULDN’T COME OUT - BUT THEY ALL GOT A GREAT BIG SURPRISE RIGHT AFTER JESUS SAID (CHORUS - OTHERS, INCLUDING SERVANT WOMEN IN THE HOUSE JOIN IN )

31.

WAKE UP SLEEPER, RISE FROM THE DEAD -- Yussef hesitates as he pours. -- Yussef and Sarah’s eyes meet in agreement at the astonishing tale. -- Yussef returns to his task until all his guests are served. AND CHRIST WILL SHINE UPON YOU WAKE UP! GET OUT OF THE GRAVE, HE WANTS TO FILL YOU WITH HIS LIGHT DON’T LET SATAN KEEP YOU DOWN, BUT -- Eli takes the hands of the servant girls. -- The servant girls look at Sarah for approval. -- Sarah nods in consent. -- Eli motions to Marcus to join him. -- Eli positions Marcus on a low table, to portray Lazarus. -- Marcus takes on this role, as he comically depicts the dying man. -- Nicodemus gathers Simon and Jonas to “his side”. -- Yussef and Sarah are now the only audience, as everyone else in the room is spiritedly telling the tale. LET THE LOVE OF JESUS SHINE ON YOU LET THE LOVE OF GOD ABOUND, -- Marcus jumps up on to the table, comically over emphasizing he is now alive. WAKE UP AND COME TO THE LIGHT -- Nicodemus, Simon and Jonas, acting as the Pharisees, huddle together, with scowls. Their faces reflect the anger and disgust of the Pharisees. THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES GOT ALL UP-TIGHT, EVEN THOUGH A FOOL COULD SEE THAT BROTHER LAZ WAS ALL RIGHT, SO THEY CALLED A SPECIAL MEETING AND THEY FORMED A COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE!

32.

NOW JESUS REALLY DID IT, THIS THEY COULDN’T DENY, SO THEY PASSED A RETROACTIVE LAW THAT SAID HE MUST DIE, CAUSE THEY JUST COULDN’T HANDLE IT WHENEVER THAT FANATIC OPENED HIS MOUTH! -- Nicodemus, Simon and Jonas break away from their huddle. WAKE UP SLEEPER, RISE FROM THE DEAD AND CHRIST WILL SHINE UPON YOU WAKE UP! GET OUT OF THE GRAVE, HE WANTS TO FILL YOU WITH HIS LIGHT (Servant girls join in) DON’T LET SATAN KEEP YOU DOWN, BUT LET THE LOVE OF JESUS SHINE ON YOU LET THE LOVE OF GOD ABOUND, WAKE UP AND COME TO THE LIGHT -- Marcus, Simon and Jonas return to their seats, exhausted but smiling. -- Eli and Nicodemus focus their attention on Yussef. THE LORD SAYS YOU ARE DEAD IN TRESPASSES AND SINS, AND YOU’RE FIGHTING ON A SIDE THAT NEVER WINS, BUT CHRIST WILL LIBERATE YOU AND SET YOU FREE FROM ALL YOUR GUILT. -- Yussef leans in closer, as if not to miss a word. NOW IF YOU LISTEN TO JESUS AND ANSWER HIS CALL, -- Nicodemus jokingly points over the three seated men. THERE’LL BE PHARISEES WAITING TO PUT YOU UP AGAINST THE WALL, CAUSE -- Eli looks straight at Marcus. SOME PEOPLE JUST CAN’T TAKE THE TRUTH AT ALL, -- Eli and Nicodemus tenderly look at Yussef and Sarah CAN YOU?

33.

-- Yussef deeply ponders this question, stroking his beard. -- Eli goes to the side of Sarah, getting close to her ear. -- Nicodemus goes to the side of Yussef, getting close to his ear. (CHORUS - OTHERS, INCLUDING SERVANT WOMEN IN THE HOUSE JOIN IN ) WAKE UP SLEEPER, -- Yussef and Sarah are rattled, trying their best to not spill their beverages. RISE FROM THE DEAD AND CHRIST WILL SHINE UPON YOU -- Everyone except Yussef and Sarah rise to their feet and join in the final chorus. WAKE UP! GET OUT OF THE GRAVE, HE WANTS TO FILL YOU WITH HIS LIGHT DON’T LET SATAN KEEP YOU DOWN, BUT LET THE LOVE OF JESUS SHINE ON YOU LET THE LOVE OF GOD ABOUND, WAKE UP AND COME TO THE LIGHT, WAKE UP AND COME TO THE LIGHT, WAKE UP! -- All the singers comically collapse looking at one another in good humor as they all catch their breath. YUSSEF Well this is all been truly interesting, and I do want to hear much more. But for now it’s late and the Sabbath begins tomorrow, and we have much to do to get ready for travel to Jerusalem. -- Visitors in agreement begin to collect their things, as they say their good-byes. -- Servant girls resume their tasks, scurrying to pick up empty goblets. -- Yussef sees his friends out the door. YUSSEF (CONT’D) (to men) I very much look forward to talking again soon. Good night. (MORE)

34.

YUSSEF (CONT’D) Perhaps as we travel to Jerusalem - Happy Sabbath As the scene fades out, Eli is continuing to talk to Yussef, As Marcus, clearly perturbed, shaking his head, exits. FADE OUT. INT. YUSSEF AND SARAH’S PRIVATE ROOMS - NIGHT -- Yussef takes his robe from a wardrobe. -- Sarah sits at a small table which holds combs, a footed vase and some bottles of yellow-green glass. A large plate made of polished silver hangs on the wall over the table. -- Sarah peers into the plate as her personal maid combs through Sarah’s hair. YUSSEF Sarah, my love, you have watched these three years as our boys have argued against each other. -- Sarah takes a bottle holding oil and rubs it onto her hands and arms. -- Yussef feels the trinket in his pocket. It is a signet ring, dating back to the captivity of Israel by the Egyptians. -- Yussef puts on his robe. -- Yussef walks over to Sarah’s dressing table and places the ring before her. YUSSEF (CONT’D) Sarah, my dearest, While trading in Egypt, I came across this - which was fashioned as a reminder that one day our redeemer would come. It was formed while our people were still in captivity. And now, I bring it to you, as our hope lies ahead to our coming king. SARAH Yes, though tonight it was good to see them enjoy each other.

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-- Sarah motions to her maid that she can leave. (To maid) Thank you. (To Yussef) At least they are in agreement of the events that have taken place. YUSSEF Clearly, they have each shared his opinion with you. SARAH Yes they have. -- Yussef leans over Sarah’s shoulder. -- Yussef kisses Sarah on the ear. -- Sarah giggles at the tickle. YUSSEF Well? What do you think? On who’s side are you? SARAH That is the problem. I have not wanted to take sides. More than any other voyage you have taken, this one has been the most difficult. YUSSEF They have needed their father. -- Sarah turns her head toward Yussef, reaching for him. -- Sarah’s fingers through Yussef’s hair. SARAH As have I. -- They kiss. FADE OUT. FADE IN: EXT. ON THE ROAD TO JERUSALEM - DAY - CARAVAN -- SEVEN COACHES CARRYING THE FAMILY MEMBERS, SERVANTS AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS TRAVEL UP THE WIDE ROAD TOWARD JERUSALEM. -- Yussef’s entourage travels through dangerous territory.

36.

-- Thieves sit at the base of a nearby hillside, where they see the caravan approaching. -- Thieves, plotting to take over smaller caravans, choose not to contest the passage of Yussef’s company. -- Yussef and Eli are oblivious to the fact that there are bandits lurking along the pathway. ELI I want to talk to you. Can we walk for a bit? -- Yussef motions to the driver to stop the coach. -- The coach stops. -- Yussef and Eli get out of the coach and begin to walk. MONTAGE - EXT. ROAD TO JERUSALEM - DAY -- Yussef and Eli walking along their caravan in heightened discussion -- Sarah and three maids ride in a fine, gilded coach. -- Clearly Eli is convincing Yussef to ponder more, as he excitedly waves arms, etc. -- Others walk along as well including the three who visited Yussef’s home in Joppa, obviously commenting along the way. -- The road is wide and heavily traveled. -- Sarah’s maids are talking with each other as they look over the countryside. -- Sarah, lost in thought, sweetly reflects, as she watches her husband and son. FADE OUT. EXT. YUSSEF AND SARAH’S HOME IN JERUSALEM Yussef and Sarah’s home is in the Upper City, which housed only the very wealthy. The homes are prominent and the streets are big and broad. Yussef and Sarah’s home is one of many white marble villas of the rich. The houses in their area stand out like patches of snow.

37.

Two large arched passageways can be seen from this vista, spanning the lush valley, crossing from the Upper City to the temple. FADE OUT. FADE IN: INT. YUSSEF AND SARAH’S HOME IN JERUSALEM - GREAT ROOMS - DAY SERIES OF SHOTS - CONTINUOUS -- Sarah watches over the servants as they carry belongings, small furniture pieces and crates. -- Sarah guides each one toward the proper destination of the item. -- There is much commotion in the house. -- Marcus takes inventory of items on a parchment. -- Eli helps a servant with a heavy crate. -- Eli trips over a carpet’s edge, causing the crate to fall, opening the contents of clothing all over the floor. -- Marcus rolls his eyes. -- Yussef laughs. -- Sarah smiles at Yussef. YUSSEF Sarah, Marcus will handle the rest of these details. Come out on to the portico with me. It is a beautiful sunset for our first night back in Jerusalem. -- Sarah hesitates. -- Yussef looks deep into her eyes. -- Sarah nods in agreement. -- Yussef and Sarah walk through an archway to the large marble porch. YUSSEF (CONT’D) Ah, it’s good to be alone! -- Marcus enters abruptly.

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-- Yussef looks up toward heaven YUSSEF (CONT’D) Not long enough! Yes son? -- Sarah laughs MARCUS Father I have a problem with Eli YUSSEF (Sarcastically) Of course you do. What is it this time? MARCUS Eli has learned that Jesus will be coming into Jerusalem soon and he has gone to meet with some of Jesus’ disciples. YUSSEF And? So what is the problem? MARCUS Eli has responsibilities here, father. We have only a few days to get this house in order. Do you see? This is what I’ve been talking about. Eli runs out at every chance to follow Jesus. I understand there is something about this man, but we have obligations here too. I don’t understand is why he can’t wait until after Passover. It’s not like Jesus is going anywhere. YUSSEF -- Yussef puts his hand on Marcus’ shoulder, calming him down. Son, I will come. -- Yussef gives Sarah a wink with a sigh. -- Sarah smiles. SARAH It’s all right, Yussef. I will wait for you. And all of your parchments and skins have arrived - I know you want to study.

39.

Sarah turns toward the sunset and watches as Yussef and Marcus exit through the archway. FADE OUT. INT - HOME IN JERUSALEM - YUSSEF’S STUDY - NIGHT (SUPER) SEVERAL DAYS LATER An ornate table sits in the center of the room which is obviously Yussef’s study/work room. Beautifully carved shelves are neatly lined with parchments, scrolls and stacks of papyrus. Sarah sits with Yussef at his study table. YUSSEF (Dreamily) Sarah, I have learned much in these days since my return to Jerusalem. All my life I have read the prophets. I have studied. But now, I almost don’t know where to start. SARAH -- Sarah Stands. -- Sarah walks over to Yussef’s chair. -- Yussef, looking overwhelmed, continues to stare at a parchment, as if something profound will jump off of it. -- Sarah kisses Yussef’s head. Follow your heart, Yussef. Follow where God leads you. This is what you have always done. Keep reading. God will lead you to the truth. YUSSEF Most women would demand her husband’s undivided attention, after three years away. SARAH I know how important this is to you. Spend whatever time you need to find your answers. -- Sarah turns to walk out the door.

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YUSSEF

You are a good woman, Sarah. SARAH (Without looking back, smiling, halfheartedly waves her hand) You’re a lucky man! -- Yussef puts his head in his hands MONTAGE: TROUBLE IN THE CITY YUSSEF (V.O.) I have prayed to God that if it is His will, I should see the Messiah. -- A mob is gathering outside the temple. -- Men are holding sticks in the air as they shout to the temple priests and leaders Three years I have been gone. These have been most shattering years to our Jerusalem. My close friend, Nicodemus, even my own son has chosen to follow this man. Once again, Yussef’s dream of the large man on a white stallion, wearing white, golden and purple robes. Blankets on horse are also laden with royal coverings. He wears a tall crown, holds a scepter, and is followed by an ornately decorated military battalion. The onlookers are tossing flowers and bowing to him as the “king” is ceremoniously throwing coins and jewels to the crowd. Again, we do not see His face. But I wonder... am I at the beginning of His reign? Is this truly the fulfillment of the prophesies? I must know... I must follow... I must study more! BACK TO REAL TIME IN YUSSEF’S STUDY Yussef begins to read an old parchment FADE OUT. EXT. PATH TO TOWN’S CENTER - DAY Yussef, Marcus and Eli are walking along gravel-paved streets toward the temple. There are others walking, some riding.

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The three walk toward the Golden Gate of Jerusalem. The mount of Olives can be seen from their direction. They see rich olive groves that cover the surrounding hillsides. They pass the Royal Porticoes of Solomon’s Porch. People are standing in the shelter of a huge wall formed of immense stones. The three men stop to read the stone carving with the warning to foreigners: “No foreigner is to go beyond the balustrade and the plaza of the temple zone. Whoever is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his death which will follow” YUSSEF (To Marcus) Marcus, what do you really make of this Jesus? -- The Three men resume their walk through the city streets toward the temple. -- Vendors are selling unleavened bread, wine, small animals, livestock. He said He was the ‘Living Bread’, which came down from Heaven. He also called Himself ‘The Vine’, -- A herd of lambs with its shepherd crosses Yussef, Marcus and Eli’s path. -- Chickens squawking in the background. Merchants with baskets of eggs. -- Sellers of Romaine, endive and bitterroots encouraging buyers to purchase. MARCUS He has made claims. Claims that no man has the right to make... ELI (Interrupting) saying we are the branches of that Vine and without Him, we could do nothing. MARCUS And most outrageous of all is that he could forgive sins! He speaks as if he himself were God! YUSSEF I can understand why He is so feared and even hated.

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ELI

Many do hate Him, father. But you know, to one who has studied the Scriptures, wouldn’t it be just like our God to send the Messiah in a most... unconventional way? -- Yussef ponders this as crowds begin to file around them. -- Many people carry palm branches. -- The men are watching something off to the side, but they can’t see the object of the commotion. -- Marcus finds a higher ground level and can now see its cause. MARCUS (Mockingly) So today, as Passover week begins, He rides into the great city of Jerusalem... Through the Golden Gate... like a King? Well, if so, his war horse is a donkey! And leading his way are the blind ELI (Shouts up to Marcus) Who now see MARCUS Attending his side, his court... the cripples... ELI (Shouts) Who now run and dance with joy! MARCUS And waving homage are no feather fans, but simple palm leaves? Singing his praises are the children. No one important. Just people. ELI His people! (looks at Yussef) Music begins to “Then Sing Hosanna” YUSSEF (as if in a trance) “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion...

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V.O. The Prophet’s voice speaks along with Yussef Yussef’s voice fades as ZECHARIAH’S begins MONTAGE -- THE PROPHET ZECHARIAH is speaking to ancient crowd ZECHARIAH Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem. Behold the King comes to thee... He is just and having salvation: (Yussef voice returns) Lowly... and riding upon an ass... BACK TO THE PATH Yussef brings his boys closer to him, arms around them, speaking slowly YUSSEF ...Upon the colt ... (his voice shaking) The foal of an ass... could it be? Could it be? Yussef, Marcus and Eli sing: THEN SING HOSANNA (TRACK 6)

YUSSEFLET YOUR PEOPLE FEEL YOUR HAND, ELI AND MARCUS LET YOUR PEOPLE FEEL YOUR HAND, MAKE THE BLIND TO UNDERSTAND, LEAD US TO YOUR PROMISED LAND YUSSEF, MARCUS & ELI JUST LEAD US TO YOUR PROMISED LAND! SERIES OF SHOTS: MOSES AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL -- Men’s shoes of leather, high up to their knees, lace around their legs, are kicking up sand as they trudge through the sand dunes of the desert. -- Large camp is set up with white tents. -- Men are carrying the wooden planks which hold the Ark of the Covenant into one of the tents.

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YUSSEF (V.O.)ENEMIES AROUND US, WE’RE HELPLESS AND ALONE LOOKIN’ FOR AN EMPTY PLACE TO HIDE. FOLLOWING A PROMISE A LAND TO CALL OUR OWN, -- Women holding young children walk over rocky hills in the valley at the foot of Mt. Sinai. (CROWD SINGS:) WILL THE GOD OF ISRAEL BE BY OUR SIDE? BACK TO YUSSEF, MARCUS AND ELI CROWD -- WAVING PALM BRANCHES TOWARD THE GOLDEN GATE THEN SING HOSANNA, PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME, THEN SING HOSANNA, WE’LL NEVER DOUBT AGAIN, THEN SING HOSANNA, SING HOSANNA TO THE KING! AND OUR LOVE TO YOU WILL WE BRING! WOMAN -- A woman stands upon a rock looking over the crowd to see the procession as she sings WERE IT NOT FOR YOU, LORD, FOREVER WOULD WE ROAM, SEARCHING FOR A LEADER, NEVER FOUND - TROUBLE IS ABOUNDING, HEARTS HAVE TURNED TO STONE, (CROWD SINGS:) LIFT US UP, PICK US UP, SET OUR FEET ON HIGHER GROUND! THEN SING HOSANNA, PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME, THEN SING HOSANNA, WE’LL NEVER DOUBT AGAIN, THEN SING HOSANNA, SING HOSANNA TO THE KING! AND OUR LOVE TO YOU WILL WE BRING! (YUSSEF SINGS AS CROWD SINGS QUIETLY BEHIND HIM)

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YUSSEF (SPEAKING) LET YOUR PEOPLE FEEL YOUR HAND, MAKE THE BLIND TO UNDERSTAND MAKE THE BLIND TO UNDERSTAND, UNDERSTAND LEAD US TO YOUR PROMISED LAND As music fades, in the crowd we hear individuals crying, CROWD “Save us Jesus!”, We love you, Jesus”, You are our King, Jesus” etc. YUSSEF, MARCUS & ELI TO OUR LAND! -- The crowd begins to break. -- Many people go to follow Jesus through the city toward the temple. -- Others lag behind, talking together -- Peter and John enter, whispering softly as Yussef stops them. YUSSEF Jesus just came through the gate - possibly fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah entering through the Golden Gate of the city. We could not see him, but Marcus got a glimpse, standing on a rock. Has something happened? Tell us what is going on? We passed many people in heated debate. There is trouble in the city, I can sense it. What do you know? JOHN It was time for the Passover meal. All twelve of us gathered to eat together with Him. PETER Jesus spoke as if it were our last meal together! MONTAGE: WASHING THE DISCIPLES FEET -- The back of Jesus in a white robe places a basin of water at John’s feet.

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-- Jesus proceeds to wash John’s feet. -- Jesus drys the feet with a towel. -- Jesus lowers his head in prayer. -- Jesus takes oil from a bottle and pours the oil on John’s feet. JOHN (V.O.) There were no servants... so Jesus rose, took a basin of water and proceeded to wash our feet! “Whoever would be great among you...” He said, “must become a servant.” Then, when we sat, He -- Jesus’ back is shown, as he holds up unleavened bread. -- Jesus passes the bread to his disciples. broke the bread, held it before us and said this was to be His body... broken for us... and that the -- Jesus lifts a goblet of wine up before the disciples. -- Jesus hands the goblet to the disciple to his right. -- The disciples pass the goblet. Wine... would be as His blood, poured out for our sin. I didn’t understand what He meant. BACK TO REAL TIME PETER Somehow, we were partaking in Spiritual food. He was telling us of things that he said will happen. Things that seemed so clear when He spoke, but so strange and impossible to understand. JOHN He talked about the future. That He was going to prepare a place for us, and all who believed in Him. -- People are gathering around John as he speaks.

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-- Women and children are now joining the growing group. That He would soon leave us and when He was gone, a Holy Spirit of God would come to live with us. Dwell inside of us. It was an invitation to enter into a Kingdom right here on earth that would be a picture of another Kingdom... It was also a command to take this message to the whole world, but that we must first let go of ourselves... Music begins a reprise to Sink into the Arms of Jesus as Children slowly come near the men. John also joins in the song. CHILDREN SINK INTO THE ARMS OF JESUS, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND LET HIM LOVE YOU! YOU CAN HEAR HIM, YOU CAN FEEL HIM, TUGGING AT YOUR HEART -- Children of various ages hold hands, walking joyfully together -- John and some other adults walk close behind the children. LET THE LOVING SAVIOR HOLD YOU, KISS YOUR CHEEK AND DRY YOUR TEAR. -- One of the mothers weeps with joy as she picks up her child HE LOVES YOU, HE WANTS TO HEAR YOU, ASK HIM TO COME IN JOHN -- John turns toward the adults to address them I KNOW IT’S HARD TO LET GO OF YOURSELF, YOU FEEL LIKE RUNNING AWAY, BUT YOU WONT FIND HIS LOVE IN ANYBODY ELSE, AND IN YOUR HEART YOU KNOW YOU REALLY WANT TO STAY... -- John turns back to the children as they join his song

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(CHILDREN AND JOHN) LET THE LOVING SAVIOR HOLD YOU! KISS YOUR CHEEK AND DRY YOUR TEAR. HE LOVES YOU, HE WANTS TO HEAR YOU ASK HIM TO COME IN HE LOVES YOU, HE WANTS TO HEAR YOU ASK HIM TO COME IN CHILDREN SINK INTO THE ARMS OF JESUS, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND LET HIM LOVE YOU! YOU CAN HEAR HIM, YOU CAN FEEL HIM, TUGGING AT YOUR HEART LET THE LOVING SAVIOR HOLD YOU, KISS YOUR CHEEK AND DRY YOUR TEAR. HE LOVES YOU, HE WANTS TO HEAR YOU, ASK HIM TO COME IN -- Some of the other adults begin to weep. JOHN I KNOW IT’S HARD TO LET GO OF YOURSELF, YOU FEEL LIKE RUNNING AWAY, BUT YOU WON’T FIND HIS LOVE -- John, the children have reached a grassy area. -- Many adults have followed them there. IN ANYBODY ELSE, AND IN YOUR HEART YOU KNOW YOU REALLY WANT TO STAY... -- The children are surrounding John. CHILDREN AND JOHN LET THE LOVING SAVIOR HOLD YOU! KISS YOUR CHEEK AND DRY YOUR TEAR. HE LOVES YOU, HE WANTS TO HEAR YOU ASK HIM TO COME IN -- John makes his way to Peter, Yussef, Marcus and Eli, who have followed John with the others. CHILDREN AND JOHN (CONT’D) HE LOVES YOU, HE WANTS TO HEAR YOU ASK HIM TO COME IN -- Parents are gathering up their children and the crowd begins to dissipate. -- Children wave to John, who waves back to them as they filter away.

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PETER

(To Yussef) My head was dizzy with so much to understand, when suddenly, I heard the word “betrayal”! One of us? MONTAGE: JUDAS AND PETER -- Jesus still seated at the table with his disciples. -- Suddenly, one of the men rises up, staring at Jesus. His closest companions? Never! Then Judas stood and quietly left. As white as a dead man, he looked as I watched him! -- The man turns quickly and runs out of the room. -- There is loud crash of a door slamming. -- Jesus’ finger points to Peter. Then another word, “denial”! -- Peter stands, shaking his head “NO” (Music begins) BACK TO REAL TIME Jerusalem - inside the Golden Gate PETER (CONT’D) But this time my Lord was looking at ME! Deny that He is the Christ? Me? Never! Deny that He is my Lord?” Not ever! Peter sings, TAKE THE BAD TIMES (Track 7) PETER (CONT’D)

WHEN I SAID I LOVED HIM, YOU MUST UNDERSTAND, -- Peter looks straight into Yussef, Marcus’ eyes. I DIDN’T MEAN THROUGH GOOD AND BAD, I DIDN’T MEAN WITH ALL I HAD, I SAID, -- Peter steps backwards. ‘TAKE THE BAD TIMES, TAKE THE PAIN, GIVE ME SUNSHINE, TAKE THE RAIN.

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-- Peter clasps his hands together TAKE MY ENEMIES AND BIND THEM AGAIN AND AGAIN I’LL LOVE YOU... -- Peter opens his hands, stretching out his arms AND THEN I’LL LOVE YOU.’ -- Yussef sits down on a large rock nearby. He is listening intently. -- Marcus and Eli sit on the ground near Yussef PETER (CONT’D) WHEN I SAID I NEEDED HIM, HE MUST HAVE SEEN WAY DEEP INSIDE ME, ALL THESE DOUBTS, -- Others begin to come over and listen to Peter. -- A small crowd is forming. -- Two men pointing to Peter whisper to each otherWITH ALL MY HEART I SHOUTED OUT, ‘TAKE THE BAD TIMES, TAKE THE PAIN, GIVE ME SUNSHINE, TAKE THE RAIN. -- Peter crosses his chest with his arms, hands on opposite shoulders, as if boundTAKE MY ENEMIES AND BIND THEM AGAIN AND AGAIN-- Peter slowly opens his arms and stretches them out. I’LL LOVE YOU... AND THEN I’LL LOVE YOU.’-- Peter walks to a low wall, stands on it. I LET IT OUT, A SCREAM, A SHOUT, THEN HE CALLED MY NAME OUT LOUD AND SAID, “I AM NEAR, ALWAYS HERE FOR... -- Peter addresses the crowd. YOU GOT SOME HARD TIMES, AND YOU GOT SOME PAIN. I GAVE YOU SUNSHINE, I’M GONNA GIVE YOU RAIN. (MORE)

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PETER (CONT’D) YOU’LL HAVE SOME ENEMIES ALL BECAUSE OF MY NAME, BUT AGAIN I LOVE YOU! YES I LOVE YOU.” -- Peter looks once again straight to Yussef and Marcus -- Yussef is considering every word. -- Marcus fidgets uncomfortably on the ground -- Peter kneels on both knees PETER (CONT’D) WHEN I LET HIM IN MY HEART, DON’T BE FOOLED AGAIN, I MEAN WHAT I’M SAYIN’ WHEN I DIE I’LL GO OUT PRAYIN’ “YOU CAN GIVE ME HARD TIMES, YOU CAN GIVE ME PAIN, TAKE MY SUNSHINE, I’VE GOT IT IN THE RAIN. BRING ON MY ENEMIES I WILL LEAD THEM TO HIS NAME, CAUSE AGAIN I LOVE HIM, YES I LOVE HIM, YES I LOVE HIM... -- Peter looks up toward heaven. I’LL NEVER DENY HIM! FADE OUT INT. YUSSEF’S HOME IN JERUSALEM - DAY ELI (Out of breath from running, Marcus is following enters close behind) Father! Jesus has been betrayed... they took Him away! YUSSEF Well, do you know what King David wrote? (Closing his eyes, begins to quote, when V.O. begins as Yussef’s voice fades) “...Yea, My own familiar friend, in whom I trusted....” MONTAGE - KING DAVID SITS ON A ROCK writing w/quill - DAY -- Overlooking a vast valley.

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KING DAVID

(Continuing prophecy) “...All who hate me whisper together against me. Against me they devise my hurt. Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against Me” BACK TO THE MEN ELI But for what? Why? MARCUS For money, of course. But for how much? ELI (Sadly) For thirty pieces of silver. What will this buy? MARCUS Not much. He was paid the price of a slave. YUSSEF (Recites thoughtfully and slowly) “... So... they... weighed... for my price... thirty... pieces... of... silver” (Excitedly, voice gets louder) Zechariah said this hundreds of years ago! We must follow... (Grabbing his satchel) I must find the answers! FADE OUT. EXT. OUTSIDE PILATE’S PALACE BALCONY - EVENING Yussef, Marcus and Eli make their way through groups of men, to be able to get closer to the palace. Yussef carries some scrolls in a leather bag. They are outside a wide open-aired theatre. PILATE walks out to the edge of his balcony, looking over the growing crowd beneath. He is clearly worried. Pounding his hand on the balcony’s rocky edge, the three men’s quiet conversation is interrupted as they look up at Pilate.

53.

ELI

(Whispering) Father, what is going to happen to Jesus? MARCUS Now that He has been brought to trial, we shall see how He defends Himself. Sure He can speak to the commoners, those who have no training. The simple people who are empty and unable to think for themselves... but to these... now we shall see! ELI But what is His crime? YUSSEF From what I can tell, the crime is blasphemy. For Pilate, the charges are political. He has been trying to pass off the trial to Herod, but Herod has sent Jesus back to Pilate. Now, I don’t think he knows how to get out of this! MARCUS To Herod, this is just a humorous game? YUSSEF -- Yussef opens his bag, looking for a particular scroll (Sadly and confused) But throughout these trials, I hear that Jesus has scarcely spoken in His own defense. ELI But why? YUSSEF -- Yussef pulls out a scroll from his bag. Ah, here it is. My son, the prophet Isaiah wrote, (Begins to read, then changing his mind, puts the parchment down on a low wall next to Marcus) Marcus, you read.

54.

MARCUS

(Reading) “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth (Speaking slowly, as if the words are finally getting through to him) “He is brought as... a... Lamb... to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth.” (Looks up toward Pilate’s balcony)) One would not wish to be in the place of Pilate now! Pressured by an angry mob on one side, the demands of Rome on the other... ELI ...And the innocent man with those piercing eyes and soft voice in the middle... All three men look up toward Pilate’s balcony as PILATE’S WIFE and two of her LADIES IN WAITING walk onto the balcony. Song begins “Don’t touch that Man” (Track 8)

PILATE’S WIFE DON’T TOUCH THAT MAN, DON’T TOUCH THAT MAN, DON’T LET HIS INNOCENCE BE BLOOD UPON YOUR HAND. -- One woman brings a basin of water -- The other woman brings a towel -- Both women set the items on the balcony’s edge. DON’T TOUCH THAT MAN, DON’T TOUCH THAT MAN! DO ANYTHING YOUR GREAT POSITION CAN, BUT - DON’T TOUCH THAT MAN! Pilate casually washes his hands and dampens his face and neck with a wet cloth, as if not paying much attention to The women.

55.

LAST NIGHT I HAD A DREAM, ‘BOUT THE JEWS AND A HIDDEN SCHEME, THE ONE THEY CALL THE NAZARENE, ALL THREE WOMEN TRULY IS SOME KIND OF KING! -- Pilate’s wife wags her finger toward Pilate, while shaking her head at him. PILATE’S WIFEGET AWAY, GET YOURSELF AWAY, SEND HIM OFF AND I MEAN TODAY. DISREGARD WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY, BUT DON’T TOUCH THAT MAN! -- Pilate’s wife comes close to him. Her face close to his PILATE’S WIFE (CONT’D) IT’S HAUNTING, IT’S FRIGHTENING, IT PIERCED MY HEART LIKE LIGHTENING, WHAT STATION - -- Pilate’s wife, steps back, as if he will be struck with lightening. ALL THREE WOMEN CREATION HOLDS FOR YOU! (WOMEN JOIN HER) GET AWAY, GET YOURSELF AWAY, SEND HIM OFF AND I MEAN TODAY. DISREGARD WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY, BUT DON’T TOUCH THAT MAN! -- Pilate’s wife waves her hand to the skyPILATE’S WIFE I SAW A THRONE YOU’LL STAND BEFORE, TAKE WHAT YOU NEED, DON’T ASK FOR MORE, YOUR DESTINY IS THROUGH THAT DOOR, IT’S WHAT YOU’VE BEEN CREATED FOR.. (WOMEN JOIN HER) GET AWAY, GET YOURSELF AWAY, SEND HIM OFF AND I MEAN TODAY. -- Pilate’s wife joins the other women as they slowly step backwards toward the doorway to the Palace.

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DISREGARD WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY, BUT DON’T TOUCH THAT MAN! DON’T TOUCH THAT MAN, DON’T TOUCH THAT MAN, DON’T TOUCH THAT MAN -- The three women exit, still wagging their fingers at Pilate in warning. Walking backward as the music fades. -- Pilate stands alone in the darkness. The crowd below stands in stunned silence, as if to see if Pilate will take his wife’s advice. The wind begins to howl. -- Pilate looks out over the crowd as if in a trance. As if he has been left alone and no longer notices he is being watched. Pilate sings, LIKE A LAMB (Track 9) PILATE

AM I SEARCHING? AM I DREAMING? WHO IS THIS MAN? I WANT ANSWERS, I WANT MEANING... WHO IS THIS MAN? (MORE)WHEN I SAID I HAD THE POWER TO SET HIM FREE, HE LOOKED INTO MY EYES AND SAID HE GAVE THAT POWER TO ME! NO WONDER THEY HATE HIM! HIS EYES ARE SO PIERCING! ONE LOOK AND YOU’LL SEE WHY THEY FEAR HIM SO! STILL I FIND NO FAULT IN HIM, BRING ME PROOF OF JUST ONE SIN, IF HE COULD GET DEFENSE HE’D WIN, BUT HE STANDS THERE LIKE A LAMB, LIKE A LAMB! -- Pounding his fist on the stone wallWHAT GOOD IS POWER WHEN YOU CAN’T DECIDE? HA! IMAGINE ONE LIKE ME TO WANT TO RUN AND HIDE! NO WONDER THEY HATE HIM! HIS EYES ARE SO PIERCING! ONE LOOK AND YOU’LL SEE WHY THEY FEAR HIM SO! -- Pilate addresses a crowing crowd of angry men. (Imploring the crowd) (MORE)

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PILATE (CONT'D) STILL I FIND NO FAULT IN HIM, BRING ME PROOF OF JUST ONE SIN, IF HE COULD GET DEFENSE HE’D WIN, BUT HE STANDS THERE LIKE A LAMB, LIKE A LAMB!

(ANGRY CROWD OF MEN) TAKE THIS JESUS AND SHOW HIM THAT NO MAN CAN OFFER HIMSELF AS THE LORD OF THE JEWS! LEST YOUR KINGDOM BE TAKEN BY LEPERS, BY CRIPPLES AND CHILDREN WHO LOVE HIM AND SERVE HIM AND CALL HIM THEIR GOD!

(PILATE:) STILL I FIND NO FAULT IN HIM, (Men shouting CRUCIFY HIM!) BRING ME PROOF OF JUST ONE SIN, (Men shouting CRUCIFY HIM!) IF HE COULD GET DEFENSE HE’D WIN, BUT HE STANDS THERE LIKE A LAMB, LIKE A LAMB! Men are randomly shouting, CRUCIFY HIM, GET RID OF HIM, KILL HIM, ETC. Their voices begin to fade as Pilate once again is in his own trance-like state. I WANT ANSWERS, I WANT MEANING... WHO IS THIS MAN? THIS MAN... THIS LAMB? PILATE (Yelling to the crowd) I wash my hands of this! Pilate ceremoniously places his hands into the basin of water, but as he brings his hands up, they are dripping red. The water has turned to blood. He quickly wipes them and runs out back into the palace. FADE OUT. EXT. OUTSIDE PILATE’S PALACE GARDEN FIRE PIT - NIGHT The wind is howling. Mingling around the huge fire pit, warming themselves are a number of people. Guards, palace workers and others waiting to hear news of Jesus’ trial.

58.

There are some women along the outer columns-obviously Christ followers waiting in silence. One, being Mary Magdalen. Among them sits Peter, often lifting his ear toward the great doors, waiting for news. Marcus and Eli are watching. Unnoticed by the others. COURTYARD MEN AND YOUNG WOMAN COURTYARD MAN #1 They have already beaten Him. He’ll soon break down and confess He is a liar! COURTYARD MAN #2 And where are His thousands of followers? COURTYARD MAN #1 Hiding, I imagine! (They laugh) They would not dare to show themselves here! COURTYARD MAN #2 No matter, If Jesus is crucified they will all go back to their homes and wait for a new savior! COURTYARD MAN #1 Not if I were Governor! I would crush them all! COURTYARD GIRL (Softly, pointing to Peter) See over there! That man! He is one of them! COURTYARD MAN #2 How do you know? COURTYARD GIRL (Others begin to gather around her. Looking at Peter as she speaks) Just last night I was walking in the Gethsemane garden when they arrested Jesus. (Excitedly, pointing at Peter) That man cut off the ear of one of the guards! (MORE) COURTYARD MAN #1 Then what happened?

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COURTYARD GIRL

I don’t know... I ran! COURTYARD MAN #2 You ran! COURTYARD GIRL When they pulled out their swords, I didn’t stay to watch. Anyway, I was afraid someone would mistake me for one of his followers! COURTYARD MAN #3 So go ask him! COURTYARD GIRL Me? He cut off an ear! COURTYARD MAN #4 Of course you. You are the one who saw him! They quietly push and point her toward him, as she tries to act casual, sheepishly approaches Peter COURTYARD GIRL Hello PETER (Absently) Hello COURTYARD GIRL (Casually) Such a chill tonight The others roll their eyes, snicker, etc. Motioning her on COURTYARD GIRL (CONT’D) Have I not seen you before? PETER (Coldly) Not likelY COURTYARD GIRL You’re not a Roman PETER On that count you are correct

60.

COURTYARD GIRL

So... do you think they will kill him? PETER (As if he didn’t understand) Who? COURTYARD GIRL Jesus of course! PETER I don’t know. How should I know? I don’t know him. Marcus and Eli look at one another. Marcus chuckles, Eli watching intently COURTYARD MAN #1 (Walking toward Peter) Are you not one of his followers? PETER No, I am not COURTYARD GIRL (Looking back to the others, half whispering) I know he is the man! I know he is! Music begins to PUT IT ON THE LINE (Track 10)

2ND COURTYARD GIRL SO YOU TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE HIM? AND YOU WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW, BUT THERE ALWAYS IS A REASON FOR NOT LETTIN’ YOUR LOVE LIGHT SHOW. PUT IT ON THE LINE - IF IT’S IN YOUR HEART PUT IT ON THE LINE IF IT’S IN YOUR HEART, PUT IT ON THE LINE, PUT IT ON THE LINE IF IT’S IN YOUR HEART PUT IT ON THE LINE SO YOU TELL ME YOU BELONG TO HIM, AND NOTHIN’S GONNA TEAR YOU APART, BUT IT’S YOU THAT YOU ARE PLEASIN’ YOU USE YOUR HEAD AND NOT YOUR HEART

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PUT IT ON THE LINE - IF IT’S IN YOUR HEART PUT IT ON THE LINE IF IT’S IN YOUR HEART, PUT IT ON THE LINE, PUT IT ON THE LINE IF IT’S IN YOUR HEART PUT IT ON THE LINE

2ND COURTYARD GIRL (CONT’D) YOU’RE OUT MAKIN’ MONEY - DON’T THINK ABOUT YOUR SOUL YOU DON’T NEED ANYBODY, GOT YOUR LIFE IN CONTROL THEN YOU FALL ON YOUR FACE AND SEE NOBODY REALLY MINDS, WELL IF YOU’RE THE ONE WHO LOVES ENOUGH THEN PUT YOURSELF ON THE LINE - IF HE’S IN YOUR HEART PUT IT ON THE LINE - PUT IT ON THE LINE IF HE’S IN YOUR HEART PUT IT ON THE LINE PUT IT ON THE LINE, PUT IT ON THE LINE PUT IT ON THE LINE, PUT IT ON THE LINE As the song fades, Peter is facing Courtyard Girl

PETER Damn this! I do not know Him! Immediately a rooster crows. As Peter hears the crow, he freezes for a moment, remembering what Jesus had said JESUS’ VOICE (O.S.) Peter, by the time the cock crows, three times, you will have denied knowing me Marcus and Eli watch as Peter runs away from the courtyard, head in hands. FADE OUT. FADE IN EXT. MOUNT CALVARY - DAY -- Just outside the Damascus Gate, on the side of ancient Jerusalem.

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-- It has a conspicuous and elevated position, which can be seen by many as a warning. A place for public executions. -- A CENTURION GUARD is standing next to Jesus’ cross on a make-shift pedestal, where he can hear everything Christ has said. -- On the three crosses are only the silhouettes of three men who are barely moving. -- Marcus and Eli are near the guard. Looking stunned and sad as they gaze on Jesus. -- Yussef frantically makes his way through the crowd looking for his sons. He finally reaches them. YUSSEF (Panting) All night I have been studying the Prophets. (Stops to catch his breath) Looking for some sign of hope that God will show us if Jesus truly is the Christ. MARCUS I must admit, father, that what you have found so far has been exactly what has happened to Jesus. -- Yussef and Eli look at Marcus in amazement But what does it all mean? How can Jesus be the Messiah when He is there, dying? ELI What did you find in the Prophets, father? YUSSEF What did I find? I found it in Isaiah’s scroll - he wrote... (Reciting) “I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid not my face from shame and spitting...” (He looks up sadly) ELI Yes, they have shamed Him. We watched as He walked up the road the this death. (MORE)

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ELI (CONT'D) Since the sixth hour, darkness has come as if it is night! He looked as if He carried with Him the pain and suffering of all the world. YUSSEF (As if in a trance) I still looked for more.. Do you know what I found about the coming Messiah? (Begins to recite) “All they that see me...” MONTAGE - KING DAVID EXT. DAY DAVID’S PALACE COURTYARD King David’s voice becomes louder than Yussef’s -- King David plays a small ancient harp before a crowd of listeners KING DAVID All they that see me laugh me to scorn. They shoot out the lip, they shake the head saying, ‘He trusted the Lord that He would deliver Him...’ I may tell all my bones: they look and stare at me. They part my garments among them and cast lots upon my vesture. BACK TO THE FOOT OF JESUS’ CROSS MARCUS (Excitedly) Father! They did just that! We saw the guards casting lots against each other to win His robe! Yussef, Marcus and Eli begin to get closer to the cross meeting up with some of Jesus’ disciples. They watch as “That Tree on Calvary” begins THAT TREE ON CALVARY (Track 11)

SOLDIER #1 THIS DOESN’T LOOK LIKE THE ‘SAVIOR’ NOT SON OF GOD HE BOASTS, WHERE ARE HIS “HOLY HOSTS”? SOLDIER #2 ON HIS HEAD IS A CROWN OF THORNS, “KING OF KINGS” THEY SAY, “SAVE US LORD” THE PRAY!

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SOLDIERS

BLEEDING ON THAT TREE - HOW CAN HE SAVE THEM FROM THAT TREE ON CALVARY? CENTURION THIS TRULY IS THE SON OF GOD, THIS TRULY IS THE SON OF GOD! SOLDIER #1 WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR JESUS NOW? IS HE FEEDING THE POOR, IS HE HEALING THE BLIND? SOLDIER #2 I DON’T THINK HE’S GONNA MAKE IT DOWN, YOUR LORD OF LORDS, LOOK AT HIM NOW! BOTH SOLDIERS BLEEDING ON THAT TREE - HOW CAN HE SAVE THEM FROM THAT TREE ON CALVARY? CENTURION THIS TRULY IS THE SON OF GOD, THIS TRULY IS THE SON OF GOD! CHORUS OF DISCIPLES LAMB OF GOD YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN SET US FREE FROM SIN - LAY THEM DOWN AT YOUR FATHER’S FEET. HE WILL SEE... ONLY THEE... BLEEDING ON THAT TREE HE’S GONNA SAVE US FROM THAT TREE ON CALVARY SOLDIERS HOW CAN HE SAVE THEM FROM THAT TREE ON CALVARY? CHORUS OF DISCIPLES HE’S GONNA SAVE US FROM THAT TREE ON CALVARY! ELI Father, what does it all mean? How can the Messiah be put to death? MARCUS Could there be any good come from this? (looks toward Jesus’ cross) (MORE)

65.

MARCUS (CONT'D) It’s like He’s being given as a sacrifice YUSSEF -- Considering, stroking his beard YUSSEF (CONT’D) But how can His blood-sacrificed help His people? MARCUS We have sacrificed animals for the atonement of our sins... (Thoughtfully) The atonement... ELI The blood... YUSSEF A sacrifice! -- The three look at each other in amazement He is making the ultimate sacrifice! ELI The pure Lamb - His disciples said they have never seen Him sin! YUSSEF The final sacrifice! He is the Christ! He is the Christ! (quoting) -- Yussef begins to weep, Looking toward heaven “And they shall mourn for Him as one mourned for His only Son...” Oh how horrid is this scene! And still somehow so wonderful. My heart is longing to intervene but the Prophets will not allow it. ELI Look, there right beneath the cross. It’s Mary, His mother. She must have known He was the Christ from the beginning.

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MARCUS

But has she realized that He will save our people from the bondage of sin and not the bondage of Rome? ELI Maybe she’s realizing it just now. MARCUS Does she see the prophecy being fulfilled? YUSSEF (Putting his arms around his sons) By the look on her face she is seeing something different. MARY THE MOTHER OF JESUS is standing at the foot of the cross, she is quietly weeping, but her eyes are staring firmly on her son. Music to Mary’s Song begins (Track 12)

MONTAGE - THE BIRTH OF HER SON -- Young Mary is sitting by the manger holding her baby -- Joseph’s hand is on Mary’s shoulder -- two shepherds are watching -- Animals are moving around them as Mary sings

YOUNG MARY SEE THE BABY IN THE MANGER, HOW CAN ANYONE NOT SEE? CALL HIM JESUS, LORD AND SAVIOR, MY, OH MY, HE’S COME TO ME! -- Mary looks down at her baby, then at Joseph -- Joseph smiles -- Mary hands the baby to Joseph -- Mary walks to an open-aired window and gazes into the night sky

67.

GOD ALMIGHTY HAS DONE WHAT HE PROMISED TO DO SO LONG AGO, TO SEND OUR MESSIAH, WE’LL SING HALLELUJAH, SAVE US FROM THIS WORLD OF WOE! TELL EVERYONE THE DAY HAS COME OUR KING WILL SET US FREE. MY, OH MY, HE’S COME TO ME! -- Joseph joins Mary at the window. -- Joseph cradles the child in one arm and puts his other arm around Mary’s shoulders HEAVEN’S VOICES SINGING PRAISES, TO OUR GOD ETERNALLY, ANGELS WATCHIN’ SHEPHERDS ARE TALKIN’, SAYING “MY OH MY, HE’S COME TO ME!” -- Mary takes the baby from Joseph’s arm and returns to the manger. -- Mary puts the child in the manger -- Joseph covers the baby with a blanket and helps Mary to her seat GOD ALMIGHTY HAS DONE WHAT HE PROMISED TO DO SO LONG AGO, TO SEND OUR MESSIAH, WE’LL SING HALLELUJAH, SAVE US FROM THIS WORLD OF WOE! TELL EVERYONE THE DAY HAS COME OUR KING WILL SET US FREE. MY, OH MY, HE’S COME TO ME! -- Mary looks down at her child -- Mary shakes her head in awe BACK TO FOOT OF THE CROSS MARY AT THE CROSS PRECIOUS BABY, IN THE MANGER, SLEEP TONIGHT SO PEACEFULLY TOMORROW BRINGS A LIFE OF DANGER FOR YOU’VE -- Mary reaches out her arms to Jesus COME TO DIE FOR ME! -- Mary turns away from the cross as if she is singing to the crowd. -- There is a great hush as people listen to her.

68.

GOD ALMIGHTY HAS DONE WHAT HE PROMISED TO DO SO LONG AGO, TO SEND OUR MESSIAH, WE’LL SING HALLELUJAH, SAVE US FROM THIS WORLD OF WOE! TELL EVERYONE THE DAY HAS COME OUR KING WILL SET US FREE. MY, OH MY, HE’S COME TO ME! MY, OH MY HE’S COME TO ME! YUSSEF It is getting on to the ninth hour, and still darkness SERIES OF SHOTS: JESUS’ DEATH - MORNING DARKNESS (V.O.) JESUS’ VOICE My God, why have you forsaken me? Ahhh!(Screams) It... Is... Finished! -- A beautiful, thick curtain hangs, made of fine linen, with purple, blue and scarlet ornamentation. On it are depictions of cherubim made of gold thread. -- The heavy curtain between the Holy of Holies and the Holy Place suddenly rips from the top to the bottom. -- The thick band that held the strip of small bells tore through the cord at the bottom of the curtain. -- Priests in the tabernacle are shocked -- One priest starts to block the Holy Place with his body -- Another priest pulls him away -- Now all the men in the outer temple can see into the holy place, and look on in amazement -- A man carries a lamp toward the priests -- There is a great earthquake -- Men are running from the inside temple, toward the outer porch -- Huge rocks outside the porch split -- Large rocks are falling from the hillside -- Some bodies of saints who had fallen are rising out from their tombs -- Suddenly it becomes day

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-- Crowds of people looking to the sky -- Children cry who have been separated from their parents -- Parents, frantically looking for their children BACK TO THE CROSS -- Marcus and Eli are kneeling at the cross. -- Mary Magdalen and some other women stand at a distance, watching, weeping. -- Yussef slowly turns away in sadness and walks down the hill toward the temple. FADE OUT FADE IN - EXT. ON THE ROAD LEADING FROM CALVARY - EVENING YUSSEF “It is finished”, I was close enough to hear Him say those words. (Closes his eyes and prays as Nicodemus catches up to him. Yussef, lifting his eyes toward heaven) O God. I have missed Him. Why did You let me leave for these three years... just when your Son was being revealed? I could have helped. I could have been part of it! (Crying) My heart’s desire - my only lifelong prayer... and now I have missed hearing Him speak. Watching Him work. O, Almighty God, is there no place for me? No way I can be of help to Your kingdom? Nicodemus comes closer as Yussef cries and falls to his knees. Nicodemus bends down to comfort him, crying himself. Pilate and some guards pass by the men. PILATE (To his guards) Someone must find a place for his body. If he had been a true criminal, I would have left him up there to decompose as I have usually ordered. Out of respect I will not allow the birds to peck at him. No, we will find him a tomb.

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Nicodemus motions to Yussef to go toward Pilate. PILATE (CONT’D) Points to one guard This job will be yours... it must be a secure place and heavily guarded. YUSSEF (Speaking Boldly) Sir! I beg you... Give me the body of Jesus! PILATE And who are you? YUSSEF I am Yussef. You would call me Joseph. Joseph, born in Arimathea. I will wrap the body and place Him in my own family tomb. PILATE -- Considering for a moment (To guard) Deliver the body to this man. But do not leave his side until the body is in the tomb, and a huge stone is placed at its opening. Seal it completely. (Sarcastically) Just in case He escapes! The guards laugh as they walk toward the crosses. FADE OUT. EXT. OUTSIDE THE TOMB - DAY Mary Magdalen is at the doorway of the tomb, looking in. A frantic look on her face. Above the great stone sits an angel with another angel, who stands behind him. Half crying, Mary sings. HE IS RISEN! (Track 13)

71.

MARY MAGDALEN

OH WHERE DID THEY TAKE HIM, MY JESUS, MY SAVIOR HE IS MISSIN’, HE IS MISSIN’ AND THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY! ANGEL #1WOMAN DON’T BE FRIGHTENED, DON’T BE WORRIED, YOUR JESUS IS NOT HERE, FOR HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN, HE’S ALIVE! -- Mary, doesn’t recognize these men are angels. -- She doesn’t seem to know what he was saying. MARY MAGDALENDON’T LEAD ME ON, I LOVED HIM SO, NOW HE IS GONE! I NEED TO KNOW, WHO TOOK MY LORD? -- TWO WOMEN have caught up with Mary, they also are crying. -- One woman carries an earthen bottle. -- The other woman carries a leather satchel. TWO WOMENMARY, WHERE IS JESUS? WE HAVE COME TO BRING HIM FINE PERFUME, BUT MARY, HE IS MISSIN’ AND THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY... -- The angels look at each other as if in disbelief that the women are ignoring them. -- The angels shake their heads. BOTH ANGELSWOMEN YOU MUST LISTEN TO OUR STORY, WE WERE SENT FROM HEAVEN’S GLORY FOR THE GOOD NEWS, HE IS RISEN! HE’S ALIVE! ALL THREE WOMEN DON’T LEAD US ON. WE LOVED HIM SO, NOW HE IS GONE! WE NEED TO KNOW, WHO TOOK OUR LORD? -- The women clearly have not really heard the words of the angels. -- The angels roll their eyes, seem almost comically annoyed.

72.

BOTH ANGELS

GO AND TELL THE OTHERS WHO ARE CRYIN’ THAT JESUS IS NOT HERE, FOR HE HAS RISEN! HE HAS RISEN! HE’S ALIVE! (Tempo slows, Mary finally understands) MARY MAGDALEN DID HE SAY, TELL THE OTHERS WHO ARE CRYIN’ THAT JESUS IS NOT HERE FOR HE IS... ALL THREE WOMEN RISEN! HE IS RISEN... HE’S (Speaking) ALIVE! As Mary and the other women run off, the angels are smiling. YUSSEF Panting from running arrives at the tomb. He does not see the angels. Oh, He is gone! Again I have missed Him! -- The two angels again shake their heads in amazement. -- Marcus has followed and arrives (Speaking to Marcus) I wondered if there was still any reason to follow the foretelling of the prophets. After all, we ourselves heard Jesus say, “It is finished” (Marcus nods in agreement) But then I remembered. Peter and John told us He spoke of ‘raising the Temple on the third day’! Now the price of sin has been fully paid... and the triumph was His! But you see, no one understood. Even His closest disciples, they probably still don’t understand or they would be here. MARCUS Of all who loved Him, why weren’t they here, waiting?

73.

YUSSEF

(Sadly) I should have been here. Waiting. Watching. Marcus, we must do something. We will use our ships to take believers to lands far away and share this news! We will let the world know - the Messiah has truly come! They both kneel, as Eli arrives ELI (Breathless) Father, Jesus has risen from the dead! YUSSEF I know. ELI How did you know? YUSSEF (Clutching his scroll and looking upward to the heavens) The Prophets told me! The three men hug one another, beaming with joy, as other Jesus followers begin to arrive, pointing to the empty tomb, some kneeling in prayer, as Yussef begins to sing. THEN SING HOSANNA REPRISE - not on CD YUSSEF (CONT’D)

WERE IT NOT FOR YOU, LORD, FOREVER WOULD WE ROAM, SEARCHING FOR A LEADER, NEVER FOUND. TROUBLE IS ABOUNDING, AND HEARTS HAVE TURNED TO STONE, LIFT US UP, PICK US UP, SET OUR FEET ON HIGHER GROUND! CHORUS OF DISCIPLES THEN SING HOSANNA, PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME! THEN SING HOSANNA, WE’LL NEVER DOUBT AGAIN. THEN SING HOSANNA, SING HOSANNA TO THE KING! AND ALL OUR LOVE TO YOU WILL WE BRING! Yussef sings as Chorus of Disciples quietly sing

74.

YUSSEF LET YOUR PEOPLE FEEL YOUR HAND MAKE THE BLIND TO UNDERSTAND LEAD US TO YOUR PROMISED LAND! As the crowd is continuing to gather MONTAGE - EXT. BACK IN JOPPA - THE OCEAN - DAY (SUPER In a scroll form) History tells us of a man named Joseph of Arimathea, who owned a fleet of ships and carried Christians under persecution to safety. He traveled even as far as the English shores to take the message of the Gospel to all the world. He followed the ‘Great Commission’... To bring people to the knowledge of the empty tomb of the Messiah, Jesus Christ - our Brother, our Friend! BACK TO TOMB SETTING MARCUS Over there is Mary Magdalen. Why was she so indebted to Jesus? ELI Because once he was possessed with demons. Jesus called them out of her and she vowed to follow him and the disciples, caring for their needs for all of her days. -- Mary Magdalen and the two women arrive greet Yussef, Sarah, and their sons. -- Mary and the two women Sing, ME AND MY FRIEND ME AND MY FRIEND (Track 14)

SERIES OF SHOTS: THE EMPTY TOMB MARY MAGDALEN HE IS MY SHEPHERD, HE IS MY FRIEND, HE IS BESIDE ME TO THE END - WE WALK TOGETHER, ME AND MY FATHER, ME AND MY FRIEND -- Yussef, Sarah and their boys smile. -- Joining Yussef are his first and second mates from the ship. -- Peter and Nicodemus arrive.

75.

-- Yussef’s coach driver walks up the hill. -- Mary, the mother of Jesus arrives with JohnHE DIED TO SAVE ME, WHAT LOVE HE GAVE ME, NOW I WALK FREELY BY HIS SIDE, DON’T HAVE TO WORRY, DON’T HAVE TO HURRY, AND I DON’T HAVE TO HIDE. -- Other people begin to arrive at the tomb. -- People are smiling -- People are crying -- People are laughing -- Sarah’s maidservants arrive ALL THREE WOMENI DON’T KNOW WHY HE LOVED ME, AND I DON’T KNOW HOW HE CARED, BUT I KNOW THIS, MY JESUS PROMISED TO BE WITH ME ALWAYS, EVERYWHERE. -- People are clapping to the musicMARY MAGDALEN WELL I DON’T UNDERSTAND IT, SURE DON’T DESERVE IT, BUT I BELIEVE IT, HE LOVES ME! GIVE HIM MY WHOLE LIFE, MY DAYS AND MY NIGHTS, CAUSE HE SET ME FREE! ALL THREE WOMEN I DON’T KNOW WHY HE LOVED ME AND I DON’T KNOW HOW HE CARED BUT I KNOW THIS, MY JESUS PROMISED TO BE WITH ME ALWAYS, EVERYWHERE, EVERYWHERE! -- A large crowd has now gathered. -- Older boys are sitting on large rocks -- There are children dancing -- Along the hillside are streaming believers up the pathway

76.

ALL THREE WOMEN (CONT’D) HE IS MY SHEPHERD, HE IS MY FRIEND, HE IS BESIDE ME TO THE END - WE WALK TOGETHER, ME AND MY FATHER, ME AND MY FRIEND -- Thousands of people fill the hillside and meadow between the Tomb area and the hills I DON’T KNOW WHY HE LOVED ME AND I DON’T KNOW HOW HE CARED BUT I KNOW THIS, MY JESUS PROMISED TO BE WITH ME ALWAYS, EVERYWHERE -- Viewpoint of those further away, showing entire crowd scene HE IS MY SHEPHERD, HE IS MY FRIEND, HE IS BESIDE ME TO THE END - WE WALK TOGETHER, ME AND MY FATHER, ME AND MY FRIEND WE WALK TOGETHER, ME AND MY FATHER, ME AND MY FRIEND, WE WALK TOGETHER, ME AND MY FATHER, Close up on Yussef’s tear-streamed faceME AND MY FRIEND FADE TO BLACK. THE END

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